Jaboticaba berry (Myrciaria jaboticaba) consumption improves plasma GSH levels and accelerates muscle recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION

Jaboticaba berries have demonstrated high antioxidant activity, with potential health benefits. However, their functional properties have not been demonstrated in humans.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the effect of jaboticaba berry juice (JBT) intake on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), which is known to increase oxidative stress, muscle soreness, decrease muscle function, and muscle quality.

METHODS

Twenty-four trained participants were randomly allocated to consume 250 mL of JBT (containing approximately 1300 mg of total polyphenols) or a fruit-flavored placebo drink (PLA) for 7 days. On day 4, participants performed 6 × 10 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors. Plasma-reduced glutathione (GSH), myoglobin (Mb), muscle soreness (DOMS), maximal isokinetic voluntary contraction (MVC), and functional (MQ) and morphological (MQ) muscle quality were assessed before and 2 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after EIMD.

RESULTS

The EIMD protocol increased Mb levels (p < 0.001) and DOMS (p < 0.001) and reduced GSH levels (p < 0.001), MVC (p < 0.001), MQ (p < 0.001), and MQ (p= 0.028). JBT intake increased GSH levels (p = 0.001), decreased DOMS (p < 0.041), and accelerated the recovery of muscle strength (p = 0.004) and functional muscle quality (p = 0.002) and morphological (p = 0.006) in the following days after the eccentric exercise when compared to control.

CONCLUSION

The consumption of jaboticaba berry polyphenols may alleviate the symptoms of muscle damage in resistance-trained participants.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) (RBR-9fjqvng).